Officers were recently trained to use the cameras – which record video and audio of interactions with the public – and all uniformed officers have been issued the devices, Capt. Gary Worrall said on Wednesday.

“I know the public wants transparency, and they deserve it,” Worrall said. “What better way than to provide a video and audio record of an encounter with a police officer?”

Buena Park officers won’t be required to wear the cameras until Oct. 1. Worrall described the current use of the technology as a “soft launch” that will allow officers to get used to wearing the new equipment.

Officers will be required to wear the body cameras somewhere above their belts. Worrall said the officers have been directed to turn the cameras on during any law enforcement action that could lead to a police report, although the department will allow for exceptions for sensitive interviews in which anonymity is needed.

The Buena Park City Council earlier this year approved the purchase of about 70 cameras. While the department’s priority was getting the equipment for uniformed officers, Worrall said a pool of cameras will be available for detectives to use.

Worrall said the reaction so far has been “overwhelmingly positive.” He noted that officers are not strangers to technology, having used cameras in police vehicles and audio recorders.

“Everybody has a cell phone and is recording police anyway,” Worrall said. “I think this is the officers’ chance to get their story out.”

Sean Emery is a crime and public safety reporter for the Register who covers state and federal courts and criminal justice issues. He has worked for the Register since 2006, previously covering breaking news, the city of Irvine, the Orange County Great Park, and the city of San Juan Capistrano.